SUNDAY AM, 9TH UPDATE: North American grosses came in exactly as expected. Marvel’s The Avengers from Disney broke $100M in its second weekend for the first time in movie history (beating Avatar‘s 75M). Saturday’s number is about $43.1M after Friday’s was $29.1M for an estimated weekend total of $103.2M with Sunday’s expected $30.9M. That’s down only 50% from its massive opening a week ago. The projected domestic cume now is $373.2M for its first 10 days of release. The international figure is $628.9M after adding $95.4M from overseas this weekend playing in almost every movie territory. Disney says Avengers will cross $1.002B worldwide Sunday. Yowza! That makes Avengers #11 on the all-time money making list, past The Dark Knight (not adjusted for premium ticket prices or inflation). And it should shoot up to #5 very quickly. It will be the first Marvel film and fifth Disney release to reach $1B.

Meanwhile there was no dramatic turnaround for Warner Bros’ Dark Shadows even though the comedic gothic thriller went up a decent 12% from Friday’s $9.7M to Saturday’s $10.9M in North America. That yielded only a disappointing $28.8M total for the weekend. “We played to an older audience. But I am hopeful we can can broaden our base over the next 2 weeks as the new films to come are not really in our wheelhouse,” a WB exec emailed me Sunday, adding. “Stay tuned… Our pulse is still strong.” On Sunday the studio came out with its day-and-date international numbers: $36.7M, including previews with 4.6M admissions from 5,664 screens in 42 territories. Becase of Avengers in the marketplace, Dark Shadow’s was #2 in many territories like Russia ($5.3M from 977 screens), Australia ($3.7M from 369 screens), Korea ($2.5M from 375 screens), Taiwan ($994K from 106 screens), and Hong Kong ($915K from 60 screens). It was #1 in France where Johnny Depp and his family reside ($4.6M from 474 screens), Spain ($2.4M from 341 screens), and Italy ($2.3M from 537 screens). The UK grossed $4.0M from 515 situations, while Germany took in $2.0M from 441 screens. Upcoming Releases: Japan (May 19), Brazil and Mexico (June 22).

Recent Comments

Pilates wasn't "hugely popular" in the 30s and 40s. It appears to have had a following in...

Vera in CA

3 years

Trailer 'looked good'??!! Did we see the same one? The instant I saw someone spew vomit, I...

Vera in CA

3 years

Yeah, but Whedon blew it with the Pilates reference -- it's been around since (and hugely popular...

SATURDAY AM, 6TH UPDATE: How do you know your new movie is in trouble? When exhibitors want your pic to share supersized screens with your holdover rival that’s a mega-hit. Oops. Turns out Warner Bros felt it had no choice but to buckle under the theaters’ demands to extend Disney’s big screen run. So Warner Bros’ Dark Shadowsis losing a morning show and an evening show to Marvel’s The Avengersevery day from Friday until May 25. Warner Bros insisted to me this will be revenue neutral because some large-screen venues were added for the staggered showtimes. But the two pics also are competing overseas. Disney thinks $1B is possible worldwide through Sunday for Avengers which is playing almost everywhere. Meanwhile Dark Shadows is eking out its big international debut this weekend in 42 major markets except Japan, Brazil, and Mexico. The comedic gothic thriller earned $770,000 in France where Depp and his family reside. But the studio’s new vampire sendup of the vintage TV daytime soap is a disappointment at the North American box office. Its audiences gave it only a ‘B-‘ CinemaScore, and 61% of top film critics panned it.

This 8th re-teaming of Johnny Depp and Tim Burton suffered weeks of soft tracking ahead of time, mostly because Avengers sucked all the air out of this month’s films trying to get pre-release attention. (Interestingly, Sacha Baron Cohen’s Paramount laugher The Dictator and Universal’s Battleship also are tracking softer than expected before their openings this month. And not for lack of awareness…) Dark Shadows opened by making a so-so $550K during midnight screenings from 1,600 locations overnight. But it didn’t draw blood from 3,755 theaters later, either. instead it was creeping out of the gate with only about $9.7M Friday for at best a $28M weekend – unless Saturday picks up. Even though adaptations from TV to film generally perform modestly, Dark Shadows was predicted to earn a minimum of $35M — which is feeble considering the pic’s budget was a costly $150M-$175M. But it should have opened to at least a $40M-$50M weekend with the popular Depp-Burton push that last sent Alice In Wonderland grosses soaring past $1B worldwide for Disney. Warner Bros attempted to counterprogram Avengers with Depp’s Barnabas Collins — who awakens in 1972 after being imprisoned in a coffin for 200 years, complete with fish-out-of-water jokes and an over-the-top sex scene — hoping to snag women of all ages. But the strategy backfired when Avengers turned into a four-quadrant monster.

Yes, the biggest North American movie is getting still bigger and still setting records. Playing very wide with 4,349 theaters, The Avengers looks like around $29.1M for Friday and approaches a gargantuan $100M second weekend. This will be far-and-away the highest second domestic weekend in box office history (passing Avatar‘s and The Dark Knight‘s $75M records). That means the holdover will drop only 53% after its record-setting opening. Coming into Friday Avengers was scooping up 75% of all tickets sales at online MovieTickets.com. Disney says its superhero worldwide juggernaut will cross $300M domestic on Saturday in a record of only 9 days. (The previous record was 10 days.) Through Sunday its domestic haul should be around $355M. So what’s the total overseas so far? Its international gross is $533.3M for a global cumulative of $888.3M.

Burton was a devoted fan of the original ABC gothic soap Dark Shadows when he was a schoolboy, while Depp long obsessed about reimagining the vampire role made famous by Jonathan Frid (who filmed a cameo before he died). Depp and his Infinitum Nihil producing partner Christi Dembrowski had a first-look deal with Graham King’s GK Films. So the two companies produced Dark Shadows along with Dick Zanuck who now has six collaborations with Burton under his belt.

But it was co-star Helena Bonham Carter who sounded the alarm when she predicted that Dark Shadows was “going to be impossible to sell. It’s very original and it’s kind of uncategorizable” So Warner Bros positioned the pic “as a fun, wildly original vampire story as only Tim Burton and Johnny Depp can,” an exec tells me. “In addition to the humor and pedigree, we focused on the stellar cast, the gothic fantasy element, and the bold originality born from this incredible creative collaboration.” The studio had been trying for several years to pull together this movie adaptation. It purchased the film rights to the TV series from the estate of Dan Curtis (the creator, producer and director of Dark Shadows). John August was the first writer hired to script Tim Burton’s project. And Seth Grahame-Smith, who made his Hollywood entry writing novels that put a macabre twist to literary classics and historical figures, wrote the new draft.

Given the film’s tight production schedule because Depp is so much in demand, the concentrated marketing campaign kicked off with a very aggressive trailer schedule throughout March on movies from 21 Jump Street to The Hunger Games. TV ads kicked off with an early burst on NCAA Finals and notable placements like the Mad Men premiere as well as select network finales and NBA playoffs. Online Burton and Depp collaborated on an original featurette, while the studio came up with a Barnabas-style curse generator. Johnny Depp went on Ellen for the first time, while the event premiere had a live performance from Alice Cooper. “The quirky charm of the picture was present in all aspects of our campaign,” an exec told me. Now the studio is hoping that Dark Shadows can save itself through some staying power.

Other news is that Fox Searchlight’s specialty film Best Exotic Marigold Hotel jumped into the #8 spot despite playing in only 178 venues. The upscale drama had a per screen average of $15K. And Lionsgate’s coming-of-age dramedy Girl In Progress opened in 10th place with just 322 theaters. Overall, the weekend is looking like $170M or up +21% from last year.

325 Comments

Former Fan • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Tim Burton used to be my favorite director. But his last 4 or 5 movies have been among the worst I’ve ever seen. This one looks terrible. I’m kind of hoping this bombs so he gets back to making good movies.

stephen • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Agreed. This looks absolutely dreadful.

Shy • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Trailers look awful. Just like in Tourist – Johnny is not even trying to act. Like he only takes those roles for money. And I understand Tourist. But this is Tim Burton movie. He should have try to act. Who knows. Maybe he did plastic surgeries and his face can’t move now the way it used too. Maybe that’s why his face was so puffy when he was shooting Tourist.

But that budget of $150-175 millions for Dark Shadows… I had no idea. Where those money went? I thought budget would be some $60-80 millions. That is third bomb of the year after John Carter and Wrath of the Titans. And again what were those producers thinking with Lone Ranger? Johny Depp can’t sell even Dark Shadows anymore. And they think he will sell Lone Ranger for 200 millions box-office? Lone Ranger will open just like Dark Shadows – for some $30 millions. And then it will end up with $70-80 millions.

Fred • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Depp is always good. But he needs to do more accessible material. He’s great when he’s the unique, fun, off-beat character in an otherwise mainstream film (Pirates). And his biggest hits are for the family audience (Pirates, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland) — in movies that women (and families) find accessible. I would compare Dark Shadows to Sweeney Todd, as the closest comp. It’s just not a big broad audience concept, and Warners shouldn’t have spent that kind of money on it.

Warners really needs help with family films, by the way. Beyond Harry Potter, they have really been struggling. For a studio with such a great marketing team to open Potter-type films, they just don’t have the executive strength in that area.

If Depp wants to remain a big global star, he needs to stay away from the smaller concept films like Dark Shadows, The Thin Man, Rum Diary. Maybe Lone Ranger will work — though the problem with Ranger is that it doesn’t have a concept that will appeal to families/women. Let’s wait and see the trailer before judging…

Very good point. That kind of hits the nail on the head. “The Thin Man” feels like another disaster. Depp’s audience just won’t want to see it.

Graham King needs to stop financing only Depp’s quirky art films — while Depp goes off and makes the big commercial films for Disney!

Lashout • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

There’s no way Graham is going to continue to write blank checks for Infinitum Nihil’s art films. Good thing he’s no longer in the Scorsese “business” either. Hugo was a mess. If I’m Graham, I’m asking where’s my Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Not that we all don’t want to see a Rum Dairy prequel.

beth b • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

just saw DARK SHADOWS. it’s not terrible, but not a 150 million film either. its very well made, but a bad concept/idea for the 99.9% of us who had never heard of the TV show. why would they have spent that much? I guess bc of the ALICE IN WONDERLAND grosses. the other comments here make sense.

will • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

As a pretty hardcore Dark Shadows fan, the trailer was a turnoff. The humor that existed in the original TV show was purely unintentional, deriving from the cheap sets, blown lines, and campy nature of playing such over-the-top material straight. Playing it for laughs just ruins the fun. You’d think that the director (and star, for that matter) of “Ed Wood” would have understood this.

Brian • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Wrath of the Titans hasn’t actually flopped, not really. Domestically it didn’t do well enough, but I’m sure WB always knew that was the risk. It’s made 300 million worldwide on a 150 million budget. No way near a success, but no way near a categorical flop, either.

steamboat • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Shy: John Crater and Wrath are hardley “bombs”. They’ll both wind up around the $300 million mark, which qualifies as a blockbuster… even if not as high as the studios had hoped. How about we wait more than three days before declaring Dark Shadows a bomb. The media can be a cruel self -fulfilling prophesy by trying to second guess everything.

incredulous • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Did I just read that John Carter qualifies as a blockbuster? One of the biggest money-losers of all time? You have got to be kidding.

Pete Davis • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

John Carter is neither bomb nor blockbuster. It will make money. It is a very good movie that was screwed by both critics and poor p.r.

Grits • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

This was worth chiming in on. Have to back-up Incredulous here because John Carter has been confirmed by Disney itself to be one of the worst flops in the studio’s history, and Rich Ross was fired over the disaster. Disney LOST money on John Carter. A little research goes a looooong way :)

Gerald • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

It is awful. All over the place and Johnny Depp needs to give it a rest.

Tim is racing Judd Apatow for most annoying director who always casts his wife even if inappropriate.

Agree • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Good point about Burton/Apatow.

Also good point above about Graham King. Depp owes Graham a couple of commercial movies.

What will Burton direct next?

JimTx • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

…after seeing this I felt like a vampire, hundred of years old and all empty inside…best review I’ve read…

Crying shame. Dark Shadows was EXCELLENT! Avengers was STUPID – for the average dumb dumb.

Crying shame the $’s didn’t go to Dep and the crew – really sad.

BobChalmers • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Your comment doesn’t reflect well on you.

The Avengers was brillianty put together, in a dozen subtle ways, which I suppose I don’t doubt the average dumb-dumb wouldn’t catch.

Joss Whedon knows his stuff, and puts together engaging winners time and time again.

bobchalmers • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Oh and, here’s just one simple reason one succeeds while the other fails – something the producers of MASH understood well.

The Avengers was loaded with humor – but the audience was laughing WITH the characters, not at them.

As several here have pointed out, Burton missed the point entirely, making fun of his subject matter instead of respecting it and letting it laugh along with the audience. Thus, Dark Shadows is reduced to a basic spoof – a vehicle for obvious humor.

One spoiler – when Captain America exclaims “I got that reference” it’s funny for everyone, and touching as well – lending insight on his character and making him both more believeable and fully human, even while he’s wearing a flag for a costume. Again – probably too subtle for some.

Vera in CA • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Yeah, but Whedon blew it with the Pilates reference — it’s been around since (and hugely popular in) the 30s and 40s — At the time when Steve was trying to get physically stronger, that was something that movie stars and others touted. He should have known this. Bad writing, and bad of Whedon not to catch it.

Jon Hendry • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Pilates wasn’t “hugely popular” in the 30s and 40s. It appears to have had a following in New York City, probably among dancers, and only moved on to Hollywood in the 60s.

There’s no reason to think Captain America would have been exposed to it.

Looks Funny • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Haven’t seen the movie but i think the trailer is pretty funny. Never saw the original series but I would love to see this if tickets didn’t cost $12+.

Banjo_Man • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Granted, Burton has always been inconsistent, but his last 4 or 5 movies include SWEENEY TODD and CORPSE BRIDE. It’s hard to a moviegoer that could honestly rate those two among the worst they’d ever seen.

FTCS • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Tim Burton’s films generally have several things in common: beautiful production; Johnny Depp; awesome imagery; Helena Bonham Carter; the quirky Burton perspective both exciting and disappointing at the same time; yet, most importantly, the storytelling has been sliding downhill.

The images are usually stunning. The cast is superb, but the vision isn’t resonating like it once was.

The Burton Brand is still very strong, but the road ahead doesn’t feel good.

Collin's Wood • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Just saw it. Looks beautiful. Fun moments. Light hearted most of the way through. Mediocre story.

James • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Someone needs to say something important to Burton and Depp and it is something they rarely hear. They need to hear NO. Hollywood keeps kissing their feet. Helena Bohnam Carter also needs to break away. She is talented and does different things, like the King’s Speech and she was quirky, but good in Fight Club. Depp and Burton need to have a trial “separation” to work on different projects.

Depp needs to step away from the kabuki make-up (I’m looking at you Lone Ranger),stop doing re-makes and be brave and stop doing movies to pay for his lifestyle and private island. Not every movie has to make a billion dollars but should at least be enjoyable to watch. People keep talking about his talent (usually in the past tense), well then let him show it again.

jharper • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I agree with you 100%. I am so sick of all the makeup! He use to be such a fine actor, i.e.What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. Sad he’s become such a “character”.

znachki • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

James – Thank you for writing what I’ve been thinking, and telling people lately. Just had a conversation yesterday with a friend regarding Depp becoming kabuki.

MTomson • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Actually the film is a lot of fun. I just saw it and wouldn’t mind seeing it again.

I’m a Burton fan and agree his latter films sometime lack inspiration that his earlier films do but Dark Shadows was a lot of fun. I just saw it last night and Depp was excellent in the film as well as Michelle Pfeiffer. If you are a Burton fan there is no reason not to like this film.

If I have any issue is that this film’s budget was perhaps too big, outside of Depp I see no one involved in this picture that demands that A list salary. Michelle, I’m sorry to say hasn’t been in any hits lately. The other issue is that WB is stupid to think Dark Shadows would work as counter programming. Dark Shadows would easily have made the 35 million dollars opening weekend if released in the fall.

As for Burton, he made a mistake throwing that party for Obama. Apparently a lot of people think Burton is more about the scene then making his movies and he is taking a hit with a lot of people both in the press and in the audience.

Johnny Ringo • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

A few months ago, I saw ED WOOD for the first time in years. It reminded me how I excited I would be to see what Tim Burton might come up with next. Not so much anymore. Still, DARK SHADOWS looks kind of fun, so I’m not going to wish ill upon it.

Jim in SJ • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Ed Wood’s a remarkable film, so it’s stunning how dreadful the last films have been. The only thing I can determine is that Tim’s slacking and is also surrounded by a fawning entourage. I’m a huge fan of Johnny but he’s guilty too. I think he and Johnny need to disappear for a few years and come up with something original.

Anonymous • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Ed Wood was a remarkable script.

Mr X • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I totally agree with what Former Fan said about Tim Burton. And what is wrong with Warner Brothers? They didn’t want to make Joss Whedon’s Wonder Woman movie a few years ago but they like making camp like this?

CynicalCritic • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Don’t hold your breath.

Alex • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

@ Former Fan

I agree, I love Burton but “Dark Shadows” is not suppose to be funny. Dark and creppy yes, but funny? NO!

Anon E. Mouse • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Well then Warner Bros. massively failed in their ad campaign by portraying it as funny.

Fox Mulder • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

YES. This needed stronger creative, especially key art which received prominent placement but failed to highlight the unique selling point – Tim Burton. This needed to immediately register as a Tim Burton film to cut through.

Alan • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Huh? I saw the film, and the advertisers did their job, creative didn’t. The film – courtesy of a poor script – is a mess of tones, subplots and lazy dialogue. Nothing ever comes together, and the other characters disappear for long periods at a time. (Initially, Depp’s aim is to restore his family’s business and – thanks to a single montage sequence – does so by the end of the first act. Great story structure, there). The trailers, on the other hand, did a better job of selling the jokes than the filmmakers, which seem flat and forced in the context of a flimsy narrative.

Frankly, as I left the theatre, I kept thinking that either Sam Raimi or Edgar Wright would have done a better job of mixing the horror, camp and melodramatic tones than Burton and Seth Graham-Smith did.

jack • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I used to watch the orginal Dark Shadows every day, back in the 60’s. It WAS funny. Of course, that was the 60’s. What did we know?

rusyn • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

i used to rush home from school to watch the series. it was funny because the acting was so bad-missed cues-stumbling over words- but it was a great show. burton has lost his touch. his humour is stale.

Jim Picht • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I used to watch Dark Shadows as a kid. Dark and creepy? It was hilariously campy. I got a huge kick out of it. I think that remaking it as a comedy is much more sensible than as a dark and creepy horror film. I don’t go to theaters more than once a year, but I’m hoping this one will be good enough to watch with my kids when it comes out on blu-ray. If not, we’ll go with The Avengers, unless my son talks me into making it my theater movie for the year.

Dion • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Let me assure you the the humor in the trailer is as funny as it gets … this movie tanks because WB has portrayed it as a comedy and it is not. It is a supernatural drama with a few funny lines.

Richard • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

All they had to do was modernize the quality, Leave the story alone maybe change a few things nobody cared about from the original and use allot of the same music with better quality and everyone would have loved it.Then make Dark Shadows 2,3,4,5,6, but you think they could do that…. No

DeeDee • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Dark Shadows didn’t mean to be funny, but the tv show was hilarious! I just didn’t realize it back in 1966 when I ran home from school to see it. I own the whole series now and giggle through each one. The acting was very bad and over the top and all the mistakes caught on live tape were great. I’m very glad that they made this movie version campy and lots of fun. No one ever expected this one to make that much. It will make a lot more when its released on DVD.

Greatness Lost Is legend • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Did you run past me to see Dark Shadows. Saw movie. It is predictable, and somewhat flat.

steamdwarf • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

too bad he had to destroy the long awaited remake of Dark Shadows with his tired humor.

Viewer • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

So much hate! The marketing was fine. The trailer looked good and got people interested, including those of you who are commenting *clearly* having only seen the trailer. The film is is a horror-comedy with some inspired moments and an absolutely towering performance by Depp. For Burton, this is a welcome return to some semblance of narrative form after Alice. The only reason it’s not at $50M was because the biggest movie, possibly *ever*, is rampaging

I agree. Depp did a stunning job. I was slightly surprised at the dark quality of the movie, as I was expecting a bit more of a comedy – but enjoyed it very much.

Vera in CA • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Trailer ‘looked good’??!! Did we see the same one? The instant I saw someone spew vomit, I bought another ticket to Avengers instead.

sl • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Look at the review for Seth Grahame-Smith’s work. His books are all critically piled on as being garbage. He is the weak talent here, who turned in poor work. My opinion, but I’m sure others share it. He’s not a talented person; it’s that simple.

shemp • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Totally agree — he’s a hack, and his books are terrible. Same goes for his script for the laughable “Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter.” Another bomb waiting in the wings.

michele • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Agreed, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Alice in Wonderland were both huge misses for me.

Roger • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

The trailers looked bad.

Did anyone see the 1990s remake of Dark Shadows that aired on NBC? Great show. I would have preferred a straight take on the show instead of what looks to be another Burton mess.

mcg99 • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I loved the 90’s version too!

Jon • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

The ’90s remake failed. Why would they take that approach?

MTomson • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

No offense you guys who are ripping Burton but going out of the way to praise the TV series (60s or 90s version) are just as much losers as Trekkies and Star Wars nerds who hate Lucas but buys everything he sells.

The trailer to Dark Shadows is what first made me aware of the remake. It looked spooky, funny and fun. And I have to say the movie didn’t disappoint. So all this talk by everyone who hasn’t seen this film, especially about how Depp films suck (just saw Rango on Netflix, hillarious), or the narrative was sloppy is just a bunch of hot air from disgruntled fanboys. No offense but the TV series had worse writers and actors then the old Scooby Doo cartoons. So what little creative energy Burton and Depp pour into it is a vast improvement.

yarply • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

First mistake was to make Dark Shadows a comedy. Second mistake was to place Depp in the movie. I think many,, Like me, are sick of him.

Taiko • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Yep – Tim seems to have lost his mojo.

Sad. He’s a brilliant fellow.

90ina30 • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

The screenwriter for Dark Shadows, Seth Grahame-Smith, wants to write the sequel for Beetlejuice???

After seeing DS…..

uhmmmmmmmmm……

no.

Charles Holland • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Passing judgment without seeing the film???! My wife and I saw it Sunday afternoon and thought it was very entertaining. Isn’t that what we go to the movies for? It didn’t exactly blow us away but we liked it!

Tyger • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

The problem is called overuse. Now whenever I see Johnny Depp in a Tim Burton film I see the same character. Tim Burton needs to stop overusing his friend so much because then it becomes detrimental to any movie he directs. I have stopped watching his movies because of it!

Michael • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

There are people who went to see this at midnight? Really?

UF • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I’ll see it, but the movie feels way too quirky to me. Depp is at his best when HE is the quirky element in an otherwise accessible concept. This movie feels like “weird” overkill. Based on the reviews (even the good ones), I just don’t know if audiences are going to connect with it.

JoeTheFilmmaker • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Quirky is right, and I think I know why. If you look at Burton’s earlier films, there was a human quality to them. There were characters and settings most could identify with. But ever since he shot Batman, Burton seems to be more into the technical process, the new technology, and the big sets he is given on every film. I heard him discuss “Alice”, and he was all about technology, and never even hinted toward cinema or dramatics. He seemed more impressed with his behind the scenes lingo.

So when you compare this quirky film with his filmography, it stands out for most cinefiles. Burton attempts here to target Rom-Com type dialogue that doesn’t fit. It seems forced. Like “Have you ever been stoned?”… That line would work in a Apatow film, but it doesn’t match Burton’s sensibility. I think what makes the film quirky is that he had a model idea with this film, but executed it in such a hodge-podge way. For example, it feels more like “PeeWee” but looks like “Alice” of “Batman”. I can see why so many can’t identify with it and its characters.

I think if Burton opted for more realistic sets (maybe practical locations), stopped putting white flour on Depp’s face every movie, and focused on cinematic storytelling, maybe this could have worked. However, would Hollywood allow such a Burton film to be made without the excessive set-building and visual/special/make-up effects?

If Burton wants to connect back with his audience, he’ll have to address these issues.

huh • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Ever since he shot Batman? Wasn’t that his second movie?

lol • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

His third film actually. Joe apparently loved Pee Wee’s Big Adventure and Beetlejuice…

I find Burton has a range from mediocre to excellent films (eg. Mars Attacks to Batman Returns, imo), but I usually enjoy them. I will be seeing Dark Shadows sometime this week.

MTomson • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Hey Joe…the Filmaker…is it. LOL
Why don’t you talk about something you know? You obviously know very little about Burton’s work. Batman was back in 89, he’s only made the following afterwards: “Edward Scissorhands” “Nightmare Before Christmas” (his story, based of his sketches, he produced it, it looks like a Burton movie), “Ed Wood”, “Sleepy Hollow”, “Big Fish”.

As well because you don’t have a clue. Burton doesn’t make overly realistic film, nor should he have to imitate other directors, just as they shouldn’t imitate him. As for the line about “Pot” it was just a quirky joke highlighting the differences between the two characters and last I looked Beetlejuice had a lot of that type of humor…”Ooh I’m feeling a little anxious if you know what I mean.” (Beetlejuice says as he is riddled with horns and standing in front of a brothel.)

Chad • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I have heard nothing but bad/awful things about this film over the past week, and now, it continues after a few friends went to it last night – and called it borderline unwatchable.

John Riggins • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Always felt he was WAY overrated. I think his allure has always been that he tends to direct movies that are a bit on the weird side, or out of the norm. If you look at his body of work, sure looks like a big steamy pile of crap with 1 or 2 peanuts in there.

Kent Betts • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Ed Wood was IMO one of the ten best films of all time. And Pee Wee’s Big Adventure is a classic as well. The piles of dirt are the other films corporate Hollywood cranks out.

Chris • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I was excited when I heard there was going to be a Dark Shadows movie, but the commercials for this film absolutely stink. It looks as if it’s really, really bad. Early critical reviews have not been positive, either. I don’t see much to look forward to here. What a shame.

Anonymous • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I thought they were wonderful!!!!…..Some people can be such a bore themselves…

jer • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

If you can’t tell what the story is from watching the :30 that’s usually a big red flag. I haven’t seen the movie yet but surely it’s about something – you’ve got to get that in the campaign.

Alex • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Sorry, the truth is boring to you.

Glenn • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I wish he’d rescue Mary Poppins from Disney.

Chris • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I was excited when I heard this movie was coming out, but the commercials all make it look really terrible. They absolutely stink. The early critical reviews have not been kind, either. I think this one is going to bomb out.

Peter • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Wow is that a low number or what? If midnights couldn’t break a million just how bad will the weekend be?? Btw. I saw Snow White and the Huntsman… Three words.. I walked out.. Miscasted disaster of the century. Just sayin

jake • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

You walked after how long? shocking that a lot of people want to see this, i saw the preview and i’m not sold.

Is anyone excited about spiderman? Personally, i don’t want to see another origin story, especially if it’s already been done so well. Sony should have done a spiderman 4 with the same cast and director like they already started to do.

College Student • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I saw a sneak preview of ‘The Dictator’ yesterday and they showed a trailer before for ‘Spiderman’.

People groaned the whole way through. The first ‘Spiderman’ was solid but nobody wants to pay money to see this story again…

Loudest groans were for the ‘Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’ trailer though. People seemed interested until the title came up. That one should suffer from “too-stupid-to-take-seriously-syndrome” like ‘Cowboys and Aliens’ did last summer.

I wasn’t excited for new Spider-Man either. But the kids filling seats for Hunger Games whooped and hollered. It’ll do all right

who • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I assume KStew is the problem?

Between her and Lily Collins its baffling that among the thousands of 17-25 year old actresses out there they had to cast Lily & KStew as Snow Whites. They must have really good agents who were clearly able to get them into unsuitable roles.

Pew • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I can understand Lily Collins more than Kstew but still I can rattle off ten other names off top of my head I would take for Mirror Mirror over Collins. Kstew was good in panic room but now umm NO. I think Hemsworth was good casting for the Huntsman and Theron for the Queen but Kstew WAS AN AWFUL choice for snow white. I wonder who passed on the role that lead to them scrambling and going with Kstew

J • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I saw the film and thought Kristen Stewart was fine, which pleasantly surprised me as I am not a fan. In my opinion, the main issue was Sanders. The action scenes were well done, but at other times it was incredibly evident that he was a first time director. Anyway, I thought the film was okay despite being overly serious at times. Really curious as to how some people came to such a different opinion, as I know several people who agreed with my take on the film.

jojo • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

“Really curious as to how some people came to such a different opinion, as I know several people who agreed with my take on the film.” not everyone in the world is going to have the same opinion as you did. so why is that so curious that they have a different opinion as you?

Chris • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

SNow White hasn’t come out yet how did you see it? Please tell us where too. Oh and really… you walked out? You srsly passed on giving us all a more “informative and intellectual” review by watching one of the most anticipated movies of the year…. by walking out!!! Sorry but don’t believe you. If you saw it you were part of a special screening and that’s all you got for us, that you walked out!!! BS!! Don’t waste our time, look again, this is not a gossip site.
Actually you sound more like a hater with an agenda who is completely FOS. Everyone i know is anxious to see RSanders masterpiece, from the trailers the acting/actors look good, but unlike you I can’t give an honest opinion until I see it but expectations are high!

llama • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Are you on drugs? No, seriously…are you on drugs? And no buddy, expectations aren’t high. Yes it has Charlize Theron in it, who is a pretty good actress, but it also has Kristen Stewart…who knows how to make one constipated expression.

jojo • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

lordy chris, it’s ok. not everyone has to like a film. no reason to have to stroke.

why leave? • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I don’t understand why people walk out of movies. You’ve Traveled to the theater, stood in line, paid admission, bought snacks, found a seat and then you leave before the movie ends?! I’ve seen many movies that I wasn’t sure of until the end or that I didn’t particularly enjoy but sat through to see the end. You cannot understand the flaws in a film unless you’ve seen it.

One can only conclude that to walk out mid-movie one must go in with an intent to do so, which leads back to the original question. Why go in the first place?

I will go to SWATH and despite KS I will watch the movie and enjoy it for whatever it is. Then I will have an opinion.

Eh • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I’m going to chime in, because the person who claims to have walked out of a screening (very tacky, I’ve never done that even when seeing some godawful movies) is probably FOS. For real, the crappy grammar and calling Stewart Kstew of that post (despite the fact that it is the internet) sounds more like some kid in a basement. Saw Snow White and the Huntsman, it’s a B. Love Charlize, but she gets a little overly campy…she still owns that role though. Stewart and Hemsworth are decent. It’s worth seeing if just for the cinematography/special effects, and obvs. Universal thinks they have a hit on their hands as they are already preparing for a sequel.

Walkout • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Walk out and walk in to a different movie playing at the same time.

Why waste time on something you don’t like when you can try the film next door?

Oddly (to me), a lot of people go to theaters and pick what they want to see when they get there. So it’s no big deal to change your mind.

lol again • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Theaters tend to stagger movies. I see your point about people who just go to “the movies.” It’s a different perspective as I always have a certain movie I want to see. But it still requires planning as far as keeping track of multiple films, showtimes and screens. Not hard but it seems redundant. You still cannot appreciate a movie until you’ve seen it all at least once.

jlinn • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I heard one opinion about walking out that makes sense, even though I have never walked out of a movie, “I don’t have to eat an entire crap sandwich if after the first bite I don’t like it.” If you really don’t like something, why suffer through all of it? Hell I would have stayed married to wife #1 if I stuck with your reasoning. I try to be smart in my movie choices to not go see soemthing I know I probably won’t like, but I also keep up on movie news and info. Not everyone does. Some people only know what they see from advertisements and celebrities schilling on late night talk shows. So of course the ads and the stars are going to say the movie is great and fun. Then the lights going out, the movie starts and it stinks, why sit through a full 2 hours of that if after 15 minutes you know you don’t like it?

The questions that begs to be answered is; how do these directors and producers consistently piss away investors money AND still keep job year after year? That wouldn’t fly in any other industry.

The Duder • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

You are right, this isn’t any other industry, this is the movies. The investors continue to invest because they want to be part of it.

Seriously • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Seriously…the movie JUST OPENED TODAY? It’s like you throw it in the trash before you even give it a chance.

sonja • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Dark Shadows was one of my favorite shows growing up. At the time I didn’t realize how “campy” it was. When I heard a movie was being made, I was excited for all of ten seconds until I heard who the director and actor were, then I knew they’d completely ruin it by forcing the “camp”. And they did.

Emerald • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Yes the forced camp schtick is getting old. It would be better if some of these rehashes would remove the camp and take into account how fans saw these shows when they were kids. Try to mature the content sometimes rather than just lamely camp it up.

Sandra • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Oh, I agree that the overly campy takes on favorites or “classics” get old really quickly. Subtlety is always appreciated. I was a fan of the original soap opera, warts and all. Yes, it would be dated, now, but just like “Star Trek,” or any other favorite from that same era, I find gentle pokes of humor to be endearing, and enjoyable for those who enjoyed the material in its original form. When I heard that Tim Burton, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter were making this, I was afraid it would be camped to death, and it sounds as though it has been. I’ll see it, anyway, but not in the theater. Too bad.

scifi_fan • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

No surprise, the ads make it look idiotic. Maybe it is idiotic. Better luck with The Lone Ranger, Johnny.

sam • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I don’t think anyone predicted that avengers would be this huge that it would come close to making 100 million on its second weekend, so i don’t think dark shadows is a disappointment.

If you want to see a funny heartfelt movie — go see the five year engagement, it’s a really good film.

ASFan • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Numbers are still early and based off of ‘matinee trends’, so these numbers could go up and Avengers can still make over 100M this weekend.

And Five Year Engagement isn’t very good. It’s long and forgettable and fails to leave a real lasting impression.

kim • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I loved 5 year engagement — it was so moving and I loved the story and I loved alison brie in it. So well written. One of my favorite movies of the year.

me0w • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

$30 million opening wouldn’t be disappointing if it wasn’t for the fact that the film had a ridiculous $105 million budget, which was clearly all spent on above the line talent and not much else.

Also, for a Depp/Burton collaboration I can see how it’ll be viewed as a bit of a letdown. It’s had some bad worth of mouth, but still overall, I think WB’s marketing dept is most at fault. The content they released early on just didn’t impress or excite anybody, and then up til the end all they did was release the same photos and videos over and over as the actors made their rounds, and that content was lackluster and repetative, not showing anything more than a couple Depp one liners. I think it was hard for the audience to figure out the genre or grasp that there was humor behind those one liners.

The cast talks about the film as though it’s back to Burton’s roots and is campy and cool and dark and twisted, but from the marketing, one would instead think it to be a silly comedy, marketed solely as Depps latest quirky character. Film seems to have its flaws, but as usual, the marketing is ultimately what hurt it the most. What’s up with WB? They can’t rely solely on Batman and Harry Potter to pay the bills…

Fleiter • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

It seems that Burton and Depp forgot the reason why studios like existing properties: They have an existing fan base. Well, no fan of the original “Dark Shadows” is going to embrace this travesty. It’s campy, not scary and moody like the original. Barnabas Collins is supposed to be an elegant monster not a buffoon. Everyone who loved the original will hate this film. And people who are too young to remember the original will find it stupid.

Deb • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Exactly my thought. As a fan of the original, I wouldn’t have minded a remake with some comedy. But once I realized it was an out-and-out spoof, my money was going to stay in my wallet.

And most young people of today have no frame of reference for the original material, not even to despise it enough to enjoy someone making fun of it.

Very poorly conceived from the get-go.

MTomson • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

You Dark Shadows fans are really crackers…
Barnabas of the TV show was no more scarier than Depp’s portrayal. Nor does Depp portray him as a buffoon but like the aristocratic vampire that he was in the series. Oh I know there’s no point in trying to convince you rabid fanboys but I have no doubt you will eventually rent or buy the movie.

So in the meantime enjoy your ignorant ravings.

cynic • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Actually, you are the ignorant one. Burton’s Dark Shadows in bombing precisely because people you dismissively call “fanboys” have rejected it and it failed to interest people unfamiliar with the old TV show. Contrary to your bizarrely mistaken beliefs, the vast majority of people who declined to buy a ticket to the thing won’t be shelling out money to buy the disk, either. It may get a few $1 rentals at the dreaded RedBox, though, which will be little consolation to the studio that put up $150 million (plus millions more for marketing) to finance this stinker.

MaryAnn • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

And they are surprised at these numbers, why? This movie is a travesty in terms of what Dark Shadows should be, which is likely why few Dark Shadows fans will be attending. It is just crazy, stupid camp, based on the previews. And I can’t see the over-the-top comedy fans going to see it either. So it doesn’t really have an audience. The only down side to this is that it will likely delay someone doing a worthy remake.

Zach • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

I think the real reason why “Dark Shadows” was able to even get made is because of Johnny Depp. But I expect this movie to underperform if not outright bomb.

I have enjoyed Tim Burton’s earlier movies but his work as of late seems to be reenacting the same old schtick. It just seems a bit tired and repetitive.

Also, I know I may be in the minority, but I don’t think that Depp is the huge box office draw that he’s made out to be. True, the Pirates series have done huge numbers, and people loved his Captain Jack character but he hasn’t had a true hit by his own merit outside of that. (And I am including Alice In Wonderland. The success was largely because of the 3D wave immediately after Avatar.)

We’ll see how this all turns out. While “Dark Shadows” may prove this point, the true gage of Depp’s drawing power or lack of it will be from “Lone Ranger.”

Frank • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

He tied it up early on when it was brought up a few years ago.
I’m sure he had something in mind at the time, but the trailers look like Beetlejuice does Collinwood.

Fan • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Johnny Depp needs to make something commercial. Not sure Lone Ranger (or The Thin Man) is the answer. Don’t really see it in his development slate either (Dr. Seuss will be another Finding Neverland art film, etc…)

Burton needs to trust other producers to develop his material for him. His films have been worse and worse, as his control/power has increased. Know your strengths.

So he needs to make a summer blockbuster every single time? He can’t go act in a movie based on a book that you likely would not understand?

writer • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

What? Like a buncha Pirate movies?

Jesus, DK looks like ass, but the dude is still the biggest international star. He can make whatever the fuck he wants.

Burton Advice • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Burton needs to ditch Dick Zanuck and work with producers who are willing to stand up to him creatively. Yes, he should be given some leeway in visuals, casting, areas/things he’s great at. But story development is not his strength. Zanuck plays guard dog and allows Burton do have complete creative autonomy, but most directors need someone to provide some balance/perspective.
Has Graham King ever made a commercial movie that broad audiences actually wanted to see? I’m sure he has (at some point) but I can’t think of it…

Although I’ve enjoyed the majority of Burton’s work I have to agree the films before Zanuck seem to be his better remembered films. Of course Zanuck came in around 2001, with Planet of the Apes, just right at the time Internet critics began destroying any film they saw as a waste. That being said I think DiNovi was a better producing partner for him. Since the two split it seem both suffered. Time for Burton to get some new blood around him. He can keep Elfman though. I was cooling on Elfman’s scores but his Alice score was surprisingly thematic and the Dark Shadows score is really good.

Dave • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

This had to be expected. With the Avengers tracking about 100 million or so this weekend any competition was going to suffer. The studio who made Dark Shadows should be happy with anything over 20 million.

SB • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

It’s gonna make THAT much?! I would have guessed much lower.

I’m gonna skip this one as I’ve already seen it.

Chuck • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

The biggest problem with movies these days: A $30M weekend means you are screwed.

pj • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Well, in this case, they had a 120M budget. I’m sure it will make a killing overseas though.

Dorothy Palmer • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

People are sick to death of Johnny Depp at this point. Would be nice if Tim Burton chose to work with fresher (or at least other) talent. The Burton/Depp slobbering love affair is as stale as the Scorcese/DiCaprio slobbering love affair.

Wicked • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

At least the Scorcese/DiCaprio “slobbering love affair”, as you colorfully put it, results in good movies.

I’m a big fan of both Burton and Depp, but this one doesn’t excite me. Actually, it excited me before I knew it was a comedy. It could have been a cool movie if the source material was taken seriously (well, as seriously as a daytime soap can be taken).

Anonymous • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

How quickly you forget Gangs of New York.

Alex • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

How quickly you forget that one bad choice by Leo and Marty is better than many bad Depp and Burton choices. Go back to math class, Billy Madison.

TKV • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

It’s now pretty clear: Johnny Depp is a huge draw in Family Films (Pirates, Wonka, Alice, etc). In adult/horror/drama/edgy films, not as much (Tourist, Rum Diaries, Dark Shadows, etc). He always gives a good performance, no matter what the film. But I think having bigger expectations for a movie like Dark Shadows is simply being unrealistic.

Frank • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Look at the source, an ensemble cast dealing with vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and evil plots. From hundreds of hours of dark (soap) drama, all they could get was “Wow, television”.

They could have done that with Sleepy Hollow, yet somehow managed to avoid making the horseman just a misunderstood party guy.

Roger C. • on May 13, 2012 8:20 am

Go watch THE TOURIST and then tell us how Johnny Depp always gives good performances no matter what.